The Seven Great Monarchies of the Ancient Eastern World, Volume I

What it is

This is the first volume of a three-volume history written by George Rawlinson, a professor of ancient history at Oxford University. The work covers the history, geography and antiquities of Chaldaea, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Parthia and the Sassanian empire, drawing on ancient authors and the archaeological discoveries of his time.

Why it matters

Written in the nineteenth century, this book reflects how European scholars pieced together the history of ancient Mesopotamia, including the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, using both classical texts and new excavation evidence. It shows how understanding of the ancient Near East grew as travelers and archaeologists uncovered more material.

Look closer

• Why does the author say that history 'requires to be rewritten' over time?
• What kinds of sources does Rawlinson rely on to reconstruct Babylon's history?
• How might a book written in Victorian Britain view an ancient Middle Eastern king differently from how modern historians would?